Falling Iguanas Are Making Headlines in Florida

Residents and visitors in Florida are being advised about the possibility of falling iguanas due to extreme drops in the sunshine state's winter temperatures. Iguanas suffer from the negative effects of the cold weather more than other animals. When the temperature drops below the mid-40s iguanas are often stunned from the cold and go into a dormant state. When cold weather occurs, iguanas often fall from the trees where they usually perch.

Danger To Iguanas From Extreme Cold

Residents in the Southeast and Gulf Coast states are preparing for a significant temperature drop which could cause the iguanas to fall from the trees. Through the weekend, the risk of sub-freezing temperatures may affect areas across the east coast of the country, from New York all the way to the sunshine state. The widespread cold temperatures are expected to run at least 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit below typical temperatures for January. Temperatures lower than normal are projected to continue across most sections of the central and eastern United States through the end of the month and into February, causing many natural phenomena that isn't often seen.

Arctic air moving across Florida this week could result in record low temperatures. Parts of Southern Florida may get colder weather than has been recorded in the past 15 years thanks to the dramatic winter storm. The dramatic change in temperature and extremely cold air can be hazardous for Green Iguanas who are cold-blooded reptiles. These creatures become immobile during temperature drops and they may become lethargic and lose their grip on a branch when temperatures drop below what they can tolerate. 

Why Cold Temperatures Hurt Iguanas

Green Iguanas originated in South and Central America and don't adapt well to temperatures that drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The reptiles usually get lethargic or sluggish when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. If the temperature drops below the mid-40 range the lizards go into a cold-stunned or dormant state and sometimes fall out of the trees when they're sleeping. They may appear to have died.